Erik DeRoo, a Grace Community School graduate and former UT Tyler basketball player, has signed to play at McPherson College in McPherson, Kan.

DeRoo was a first-team All-East Texas in 2010 and second-team TAPPS All-State as he averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 assists.

He set five school records at Grace: 3- pointers in a season (106), 3-pointers made in a game (eight), steals in a game (12), free throw percentage in a season (89 percent), and career free throw percentage (83 percent).

McPherson competes in NAIA Division II and in the Kansas College Athletic Conference. Last year, head coach Tim Swartzendruber, was named KCAC Coach of the year and KBCA (Kansas Basketball Coaches Association) coach of the year.

The Bulldogs were 33-4 and 16-2 in conference last season, winning the KCAC regular season and conference tournament championships.

McPherson advanced through the NAIA national tournament before losing in the Final Four to Northwood (Florida); finishing No. 4 overall in the final NAIA rankings.

“I was recruited by McPherson College out of high school, but chose to stay at UT Tyler to be able to play in front of my family and hometown,” DeRoo said. “With my final two years of eligibility, I have chosen to transfer to McPherson to play for coach Swartzendruber and assistant coach TJ Eskildsen to compete for conference and national championships.

“I loved the small school environment McPherson offers, and I am excited to play for the coach of the year in Kansas.”

DeRoo will be transferring in January.

“I will be able to participate in spring off-season to prepare for my final two years,” DeRoo said.